USA Rare Earth, Inc. selects Cherokee County for first South Carolina operation

June 2, 2026

Approximately $1.2 billion investment will create about 490 new jobs

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USA Rare Earth), a global leader in rare earths, critical minerals and advanced materials, today announced it has selected Cherokee County for its first South Carolina operation. The total investment for the project of approximately $1.2 billion will create about 490 new jobs in the state.

With operations in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as a planned acquisition of a major rare earth mine in Brazil, USA Rare Earth is building a global rare earth and permanent magnet value chain to serve advanced manufacturing for both commercial and defense technologies supporting the U.S. and its allies.

The new facility, which will be located at Bailey Park in Blacksburg, will produce neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets and refined rare earth metals.

This South Carolina advanced manufacturing campus will perform many critical functions including electrolysis, metallothermic reduction, strip casting, jet milling, dry pressing, sintering, heat treatment, machining and coating.

Operations are expected to be online in April 2028. Individuals interested in joining the USA Rare Earth team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Cherokee County is the next critical link in the rare earth and magnet value chain we’re building across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and around the globe. South Carolina offered the workforce, the infrastructure and the partners we needed to move quickly. With this investment, we’re bringing home the advanced manufacturing capabilities that America and its allies depend on, from the factory floor to the front lines.”

-USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton

“South Carolina continues to attract investments that strengthen our economy and create meaningful opportunities for our people. USA Rare Earth’s $1.2 billion investment and the creation of approximately 490 new jobs will have a significant impact on Cherokee County and reinforce our state’s position as a leader in American manufacturing.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“USA Rare Earth’s approximately $1.2 billion investment in Cherokee County reflects the state’s strong capabilities in advanced manufacturing and innovation technologies. The company’s new operation in the Upstate will contribute to South Carolina’s position as a leader in critical sectors.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, Cherokee County helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War and today we are proud to once again stand on the front lines of American independence by welcoming USA Rare Earth to the Bailey Park. This project strengthens our nation’s future by reducing our dependence on China for critical rare earth minerals while bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to Cherokee County.”

-Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer

“Duke Energy is proud to help bring USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County and strengthen America’s domestic rare earth supply chain. Through our close collaboration with state and local economic development partners, we worked to position this site with the upfront diligence, coordination and energy planning that companies need to move with confidence and speed. As we continue to prioritize reliable power at the lowest possible cost for our customers, we stand ready to welcome more industries like this to call South Carolina home.”

-Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson

FAST FACTS

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USA Rare Earth) selects Cherokee County for its first South Carolina operation.
The company’s approximately $1.2 billion investment will create about 490 new jobs.
USA Rare Earth is a global leader in rare earths, critical minerals and advanced materials that are vital to leading-edge technology and defense industries.
The company’s facility will be located at Bailey Park in Blacksburg, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the USA Rare Earth team should visit the company’s careers page.